Renewed Controversy Over Unpaid Dues in TV Industry
A fresh and heated debate has erupted within the Indian television industry concerning outstanding payments. The controversy gained significant attention after actress Shehzada Dhami alleged that she is yet to receive ₹30 lakh for her work on the show 'ये रिश्ता क्या कहलाता है'. Now, actress Shilpa Shinde has come out in strong support of Shehzada, leveling serious accusations against certain producers and the internal mechanisms of the industry.
Shehzada Dhami's Plight and Unresolved Complaint
Shehzada Dhami was a lead in 'ये रिश्ता क्या कहलाता है' in 2023 but was reportedly removed from the show abruptly due to allegations of 'unprofessional behavior'. Shehzada claims that approximately ₹30 lakh in payments has been outstanding since her departure. She had filed a complaint against producer Rajan Shahi, but despite three years passing, she states that she has not received her dues. Recently, Shehzada brought the issue back into the limelight, reigniting discussions. She also alleged that the producer humiliated her in front of the entire unit and made objectionable comments about her parents.
Shilpa Shinde's Fierce Condemnation of Producers
Joining the fray in support of Shehzada Dhami, Shilpa Shinde expressed her deep frustration and anger through a video. She directly targeted producers, labeling them as 'white-collar mafia'. Shilpa stated,
"You see, in the TV industry, these producers are white-collar mafia, and I have always said this. Producers who refuse to support them are threatened and told that if something happens to them in the future, no one will stand by them. Forget support, they are threatened that they won't be allowed to work… the show that is running, they won't let it continue. You have to support us."
Critique of Artist Associations and Industry Pressure
Shilpa Shinde also questioned the role of artist associations, accusing them of failing to support artists. She remarked,
"But we artists cannot do that. Because our 90-day payment is with the producer, it gets stopped. The artists in the Artists' Association… they suck up to producers because they need work. That's why they support them, so who will support the artists?"Shinde further criticized those who only speak of "justice with candles" after tragic incidents in the industry, dismissing it as merely "seeking footage." She said,
"Today, after someone's death, you speak and post videos. This has no meaning. Because you are the same people who come with candles to bring justice after death. You come and seek footage."
Shinde's Personal Experience and Unwavering Stance
Shilpa also shared her personal struggles, recounting how she received no support herself. She mentioned that she didn't need to speak up, but it was weighing heavily on her mind. She challenged those who had slandered her, stating they lacked the courage to stand up for their own justice. Shilpa claimed to have previously supported Shehzada against Rajan. She also alleged media pressure, stating,
"When I raised my voice, the media said they couldn't run it because there would be pressure from above."Concluding her statement, Shilpa emphatically declared her unwillingness to work in an industry with such an environment:
"I don't want to work in this despicable industry. I'd rather sell vegetables on the street than pander to such people."This powerful statement underscores the severe challenges and payment issues faced by artists in the TV industry.
